Donald D. Waldschmidt, 83, of Dexter, Kansas, passed away Thursday morning, January 12, 2023, at the South Central Regional Medical Center in Arkansas City.

Born November 11, 1939, in Arkansas City, he was the son of Max Dean and Erma Viola (Cristner) Waldschmidt. He was raised and received his education in Arkansas City and Dexter, graduating from Dexter High School in 1958.

He was united in marriage to Carol Mae Wood on February 28, 1962, in Oxford, Kansas. The couple made their home on a farm near Dexter. Don worked at several area sale barns and spent 32 years working for Cessna Aircraft. In his heart, Don was a farmer. In addition to his other jobs, he spent his life working the family farm.

In addition to their own children, Don and Carol served as foster parents for over 45 years, fostering 142 children. Carol preceded him in death on September 10, 2022. Don enjoyed hunting, shooting, and teaching his family to shoot. He also enjoyed going to tractor shows, gun shows, and farm and ranch shows.

His family includes his children, Jana Reynolds and companion, Dennis Cancello of Wichita; Jaymie Waldschmidt and wife, Ardelia of Dexter; and his eight grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by a daughter Jill Ratzloff, a son-in-law Marty Reynolds, two sisters, Sheryl Waggoner and Sharon Drake, grandchildren, Bairelle Ratzloff, Velicia Campbell, and William Looney, and great grandchildren, Kaibryn Looney and Audry Waldschmidt.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at Dexter Cemetery. A visitation is scheduled at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 4 to 7 that evening.

A memorial has been established in Don's name for Dexter FFA. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Don's funeral service will be livestreamed at the following link: